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A California educational professional with eighteen years of experience, she’s dedicated to serving over 8,000 students each semester as the Dean of Student Services & Special Projects at É«ÖÐÉ«. She specializes in enrollment management, policies and procedures, and removing barriers for students. She is passionate about creating understandable processes and guiding students to help create a positive student experience. Vikki is a first generation, Mexican and her passion stems from her struggles through the California Community College system where she attended five California community colleges and is now leveraging her experience to provide transformational leadership to benefit the students at É«ÖÐÉ« that prioritizes access and equity in the Hispanic-serving institution. She is the recipient of the Sure Helpline Crisis Center Iron Woman Award for 2022, awarded to her for her work with exploited and vulnerable women who seek better opportunities through education. She earned her doctorate at the University of Colorado Denver and her focus was on Guided Pathways for Student Success.

I was born and raised in Brawley, Ca. Go Wildcats! I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology & Criminology from California State University San Marcos and my Master’s degree in Education Counseling from San Diego State University. I was the first in my family to obtain a college degree, which is why I am very passionate about helping students reach their goals. I love my family, traveling, coffee, Netflix, festivals, & trying new foods. *Hablo Español

Hi, my name is Melissa Gastelum.
I’ve been part of the EOPS team for the past year and bring 7 years of experience in education, including both K–12 and higher ed. One of my proudest accomplishments was helping launch Project Rebound at San Diego State - Imperial Valley, where I witnessed the power of second chances and the importance of student advocacy. As the first in my family to earn a college degree, I see myself in many of our Imperial Valley students and I’m deeply passionate about supporting their journeys. I also have a story to tell.

Fun Fact: I can go from being the most serious person in the room to the life of the party in 2.5 seconds. Balance!

Born and raised in El Centro, CA, I am deeply proud of my Mexican American heritage. I lived in Los Angeles County for three years, working at LAX Airport and Pasadena as an Operations Manager for a transportation agency. I enjoy traveling, discovering new places, and experiencing new things with my family. With over 12 years of experience in customer service, I am eager to inspire our students to reach higher goals.

Raised in Mexicali and currently living in Calexico.  I have a deep love for my five children and all children in general.  I enjoy decorating for parties and cooking food.  My favorite foods are tamales and carne asada. I have been working for É«ÖÐÉ« for the last 24 years.  I enjoy serving our campus community and helping students

My name is Xavier Reyna. I have been with EOPS for a year and 3 months now. Prior to that, I have worked with the Student Equity & Achievement department on campus for 3 years as a Student Success Specialist/É«ÖÐÉ«less & Foster Youth Liaison on campus. I graduated SDSU in Summer of 2023 with my Master's degree in Education with an emphasis in counseling. A fun fact about me is that I do NOT like cold pizza, never had. 

I was born in Mexicali, but raised in Calexico and Watsonville, CA.  I was a migrant kid growing up.  Never stayed in one school the whole year.  I graduated from Calexico High School, earned an associate’s degree from É«ÖÐÉ« and earned BA in Psychology and master’s in social work from San Diego State University.  I married my high school sweetheart, and we have three daughters.  I am a hot wheel’s collector and a diehard 49ers fan.

(760) 355-6517